[2] It began a stretch of eight mergers with other S&Ls starting in December 1980,[5][6] during which it changed its name to Great American Federal Savings and Loan Association in 1982.
[7] The name change reflected their business going from four offices in San Diego County in 1970 to over 100 statewide after the completed mergers.
[8] During the 1970s and 1980s, Great American experienced rapid growth largely due to acquisitions, and some considered it "the place to work" in San Diego.
[12] In October 1987, Great American expanded into the Pacific Northwest through the acquisition of Capital Savings Bank of Olympia, Washington.
[17][18] Great American's decision to stray away from home loans into commercial real estate and out-of-state investments (most notably in Arizona) has been cited as a reason for its decline over time.